Alarm service required

[Andymharrison]

Looking for a little help with my alarm module...

I've started getting the alarm system service required message, not all the time, after a decent run it seems OK for a little while but its obviously on its last legs.

As it happens I've just parked up the car in MILs garden so I can change the front shocks so I guess its good timing.

I've read a few threads about removing and with luck fixing the module so think I know whats involved.

But, what I'm not sure about is using the car with the module out. We are about to go away so I may not have time to fix/replace, re-install and test before then but don't want it going off randomly in the middle of the night on a campsite!

Does anyone know if the alarm module being missing will cause issues with any other systems? I'm guessing not as the service message means its not talking anymore.

I won't worry too much about the risk of an eagle eyed insurance agent spotting it in the unlikely event of a claim.

[Phil Croxley]

Originally Posted by Andymharrison

Looking for a little help with my alarm module...

I've started getting the alarm system service required message, not all the time, after a decent run it seems OK for a little while but its obviously on its last legs.

As it happens I've just parked up the car in MILs garden so I can change the front shocks so I guess its good timing.

I've read a few threads about removing and with luck fixing the module so think I know whats involved.

But, what I'm not sure about is using the car with the module out. We are about to go away so I may not have time to fix/replace, re-install and test before then but don't want it going off randomly in the middle of the night on a campsite!

Does anyone know if the alarm module being missing will cause issues with any other systems? I'm guessing not as the service message means its not talking anymore.

I won't worry too much about the risk of an eagle eyed insurance agent spotting it in the unlikely event of a claim.

When I had alarm issues with my V70 I took the alarm siren out, I thought I might just leave it out as a micro switch in a door was causing the alarm to trigger. I then discovered that with the siren out the horns would sound instead! Apart from that nothing else was affected.

[john langrick]

I think you can remove the alarm fuse as well.

It is common to the battery in the alarm .module to fail. This can potentially be replaced by surgery on the module, but sometimes the battery failure can damage the circuit in the alarm module.

I chose to replace the complete module,, a relatively easy task with full instructions in the replacement module the only tricky part was the removal of a security bolt but an angle grinder sorted that. I never bothered to replace the bolt.

But you want to avoid any alarm going off until fixed so just remove it short term.
All you get is that annoying warning message, but note you compromise your insurance (theft).

Hope this helps

[john langrick]

ebay.co.uk/itm/322842999634

Good price too

[Andymharrison]

Originally Posted by john langrick

ebay.co.uk/itm/322842999634

Good price too

I've got that one bookmarked just in case! I will have a go at a repair first though.

My concern was unplugging the module would break a connection to some other module and cause more problems.

I won't worry about it too much now, thanks.

[Parknest]

I've had the same error message. It only appears when I turn on the ignition but once the engine is started the message goes away and I get no fault codes. I remember watching this YouTube video where the poster (SiRobb) shows how to remove the alarm module. I've just lived with it but I might repair or replace it.